Gavin Newsom’s office says the Governor is not against cash payments for reparations, but instead wants to wait for the full report before making a decision.
Last week Newsom declined to endorse any specific recommendations made by the task force and told Fox News Digital that finding a way to address the “legacy” left behind by the institution of slavery was a complicated issue that was “about much more than cash payments.”
Now, Newsom’s office is now clarifying his comments in a statement to The Sacramento Bee.
“Newsom is not backing away from cash payments, but wants to wait for the report in its entirety to arrive on his desk before he makes any decision,” Anthony York, Chief Communication Advisor for Newsom, told The Bee.
“The sensationalized framing in pieces published by outlets like Fox News and others is inaccurate,” the spokesperson added.
The California Reparations Task Force recommended that the state issue a formal monetary apology, including distributing up to $1.2 million to eligible black California residents based on calculated dollar figures in categories of alleged injustices.
The total cost of the program is estimated at $640 billion and California’s budget deficit is currently $31.5 billion.